Victoria is a fabulous city with all sorts of high-end experiences and luxuries. You’ll find many ways to treat yourself, from pampering spa treatments and afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress to decadent shopping sprees. However, if you’re on a budget, there’s no need to worry. You can have fun too! There are plenty of free things to do in Victoria from taking in history and culture to admiring breathtaking views.
1. Walk Through Chinatown
One of the top free things to do in Victoria is a self-guided walking tour of Canada’s oldest Chinatown. You’ll find maps placed at the Gates of Harmonious Interest on Fisgard Street. The route will bring you to historical landmarks like the Chinese Public School, Ta, Kung Temple, and Fan Tan Alley. At about 3.2 to 6.5 feet wide (1 to 2 meters), it’s the country’s narrowest street.
2. Explore Beacon Hill Park
Spread over 200 acres, Beacon Hill Park has a lot to offer. Located between Douglas and Cook Street, it’s filled with woods, gardens, ponds and playing fields. You’ll even find a water park with a giant watering can for a fun way to cool off on a hot summer’s day. The petting zoo (Beacon Hill Children’s Farm) provides the chance to get close to goats, sheep, chickens, peacocks and donkeys. You can also spot wildlife from the many trails that wind through the park. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and orcas if you are along the shoreline.
3. Spook Yourself on a Ghost Tour
Victoria is full of notable landmarks and fascinating old buildings. Some of them also make it the most haunted city in British Columbia! If that doesn’t scare you away and even piques your interest, pick up a ghost hunting guide. You’ll find them at the Inner Harbour Visitor Centre. The free guide will point you to the town’s spookiest spots like the Old Burying Ground, Ross Bay Cemetery, Bastion Square and Roger’s Chocolates. If you’re lucky, you might even run into some of the city’s oldest citizens.
4. Ride the Galloping Goose Regional Trail
Created from an old railroad route, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail is one of the most popular trails in the B.C. capital. The 34-mile (55-kilometer) trail begins just over the Blue Bridge and runs from Victoria to Sooke, allowing travelers to enjoy a range of scenic landscapes as they bike, walk, run or ride on horseback from the city to the country.
5. Tour the Parliament Buildings
Learn more about British Columbia’s government by paying a visit to the province’s Parliament Buildings. Take a self-guided tour of the property or join a free guided tour. If you plan your visit right you can even observe debates in the Public Galleries when the Legislative Assembly is sitting. You’ll also find an impressive number of landmarks around the exterior. Check out the Chinese empress tree, Queen Victoria statue, knowledge totem pole, sequoia tree, fountain, rose garden and the Speakers’ chair. Beautiful stained glass and paintings can be viewed inside the buildings too.
6. Check Out the Houseboats on Fisherman’s Wharf + Breakwater at Ogden Point
Visit the 30 brightly colored floating houses near Fisherman’s Wharf is a great way to fill your Instagram feed. You can even feed the local harbor seals bringing more outstanding photo ops. Plus, while you’re in the area you can stroll over to Ogden Point Breakwater. By walking the half mile to the end, you’ll be reward with an awe-inspiring view of the Olympic Mountains.
7. Watch for Whales
There are whale watching tours that will take you by boat to look for whales, but you can sometimes spot them from shore. And, even better? It won’t cost you a thing! You might follow the Whale Trail, a series of land-based viewing points. That includes Fort Rodd Hill and the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site adjacent to Fisgard Lighthouse.
8. Wander the Finnerty Gardens
The Butchart Gardens are not the only place in town with colorful flowers. If you love fauna, pay a visit to the University of Victoria to wander through the famous Finnerty Gardens. The gardens contain over 4,000 different trees and shrubs but they’re most well-known for their rhododendrons. It features some 200 rhododendron species and over 1,500 rhodies and azalea plants collectively. In addition to the plant life, the gardens feature ponds, a meandering path and strategically placed benches from which to view the grounds.
9. Experience Victoria’s Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are often only open during the summer months in other parts of the world. But as they’re such a big part of Victoria’s culture, you’ll find at least one open no matter what the time of year. There is a special winter market between November and April, and the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson that is open year round. Stopping by one of the Victoria Public Markets is a great way to get some free samples and perhaps pick up ingredients for a picnic.
10. Take in Natural Sights with a Hike
Discover Victoria’s natural beauty by going for hike in one of Victoria’s parks. While the options are practically endless, a few of the most popular treks include Goldstream Park, Avatar Grove, Mystic Falls, Fort Rodd Hill, Mt. Douglas and Mt. Tolmie. All offer picturesque views.
11. Visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Admission to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is free on the first Tuesday of every month, making this a great time to view works created by Victoria’s Emily Carr and other famous Canadian artists.
12. Bike Victoria
Hiking and driving are not the only way to see the sights in Victoria, there are also many fun bike rides that will take you past historic monuments and neighborhoods, or showcase scenic water views. Try the Cowichan Valley Wine Bike and sample wine along the 7.5-mile (12km) route. Or, try the Seaside Touring Route. It’s designed specifically for bike riders who want to see scenery and landmarks along Victoria’s coastline.
13 – Tour the Government House
Last but not least on our list of free things to do in Victoria , take a tour of the Government House. You’ll have to carefully plan your visit as tours are only available seasonally, typically on just one Saturday per month. But it’s worth the effort as you’ll learn more about the city’s history, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. Wander through the expansive gardens on the grounds and then take the guided tour to view the interior. You’ll see the stunning ballroom, dining room, drawing room and Rattenbury Room, named after the famous architect Francis Rattenbury, featuring one of his personal dining room sets.